Synopsis in English as pdf-download

Five Jews who are present at the scene are
debating as to whether Jochanaan is a true
prophet, the successor to Elias: ”Das kann
nicht sein. Seit dem Propheten Elias hat
niemand Gott gesehen…” (”That is
impossible. No one has seen God since the
prophet Elias…”). Herodias orders them to
be silent.
Two Nazarenes come to the assistance of
Jochanaan, saying that the Messiah has
indeed arrived and that he is raising the
dead. Herodias tries to silence them as
well. This arouses the prophet’s anger and
he continues to insult her.
Indifferent to what is taking place, Herod
orders Salome to dance for him. The
princess at first refuses, backed up by her
mother. She eventually accepts on
condition that the Tetrarch swears to grant
her whatever she desires. Dancing to a wild
rhythm Salome removes her seven veils,
one by one, under the lustful gaze of her
step-father. At the end of the dance Salome
is in a trance. She glances towards the
cistern and falls at Herod’s feet, in ecstasy.
The moment has come for him to grant his
promise. To Herod’s horror Salome
demands Jochanaan’s head on a silver
platter. Herod pleads with her to ask for
something else and even offers half of his
kingdom in exchange. Salome stands firm.
She is supported by her mother who
believes that she is doing this to avenge
her. Salome leans over the cistern, listening
for a sign of life: ”Es ist kein Laut zu
vernehmen…” (”Not a sound to be heard…”).
Just as she is about to send in the soldiers,
the executioner brings out the Baptist’s
head. Delirious with mad passion Salome
declares her love to the severed head in a
long and passionate tirade: ”Ah! du wolltest
mich nicht deinen Mund küssen lassen,
Jochanaan! Wohl, ich werde ihn jetzt
küssen…” (”Ah! You wouldn’t let me kiss
your lips Jochanaan! Well, now I am going
to kiss them”). Love’s mystery, she says, is
greater than death’s mystery. In a fit of
passion she kisses the prophet’s lips.
Herod, horrified, orders the guards to seize
Salome and put her to death.
2